Accessible Communities Are A Human Right
A consumer was diagnosed with MS 6 months after renting an apartment in Carboro with her son. Her condition seemed to deteriorate quickly and she was
soon needing to use a
wheelchair, but she did not live in an accessible unit. When she inquired about moving into an accessible unit, she was told “this is not an accessible community." It is an old apartment complex without accessible parking or ramps.
The consumer finally got the management to install a portable ramp outside, but there was a two-inch step at her door that she could not get down by herself. The CIS talked to the consumer several times and then attempted to go visit her. Since the CIS uses a wheelchair herself, she could not get into the apartment and the consumer could not get out.They met at the doorway and discussed the situation.
It was decided the consumer should attempt to find an accessible apartment somewhere else. However, due to COVID-19's restrictions and her health, she decided not to move at this time. She was getting PT and home health, but that is also postponed. The CIS is providing peer counseling by phone, once or twice a week. Her son is out of school now, also because of the virus, and is helping her.
